Social Studies

World Geography

Students will be instructed in the Five Themes of Geography as applied to the real world. Location–where on earth is it? Place–what’s it like there? Human/Environment Interaction–what is the relationship between humans and their environment? Movement–how and why are places connected with one another? Regions–how and why is one area similar to another?

Ancient World History

This course is an historical survey of the human race from its origins in the prehistoric period through the 1400s. Students will study the peoples, cultures and events of the early human period. The class focuses on social, economic, cultural, and historical development of man. Topics include the beginning of known history, the advancement of civilization, the growth of government and economic systems, the development of cultures, and the interactions of different peoples. Students will develop and practice showing comprehension, analyzing and evaluating historical events, and forming opinions.

Honors Global History Through Art and Culture

The course is designed as a survey course that traces the artistic endeavors which reflect the values of cultures beginning with the earliest, prehistoric civilizations of Western history to the modern, contemporary periods. The course focuses on the main controlling ideas governing these various periods and specifically examines the art, architecture, and literature representative of each period.

Modern World History

This course is an historical survey of the human race from the renaissance through the modern era. Students will study the peoples, cultures and events of this period. Students will seek to gain a better understanding of how the events of the past have shaped our modern world. A wide variety of methods will be used, including writing, research, simulation, and discussion.

African-American History

This course is designed to develop an understanding of the causes, character, and consequences of the African American experience and its influence on the world, the United States, and the African American community.  Beginning with a historical, geographical, social, political, economic, and cultural understanding of the African continent, the course will provide an overview that will introduce the student to the study of African and African American experiences.

*Social Justice in History

This course focuses on social justice around the world and is designed to introduce students to human rights both past and present. The primary goal is for students to discover more about the world they live in, both locally and globally, and to further develop empathy for others. Students will be asked to critically examine the historic causes of injustice and and will read a wide range of texts about the impact that identity, race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic class, religion, and political affiliation have on experiences with justice. While examining human rights abuses and examples of injustice, students will learn about historic movements seeking to create positive change, while considering their own agency as activists.

Honors World Cultures

World Cultures is an Honors-level class that acknowledges the cultural diversity of the United States and the world, and sees this diversity as a positive fact of life. Students will recognize the intrinsic worth of all individuals, regardless of race, ethnic background, gender, religion, socioeconomic status, or physical/mental condition. Study is divided into regional units, focusing on geography, religion, history, economics, traditions, and culture. There is a strong current events aspect to the class, with every Friday dedicated to studying the world today. Because this is an Honors class, students are expected to manage their time wisely and turn in above-average work on all assignments.

U. S. History

United States History is an historical survey of the people, places and events of America’s past. The goal of the course is to increase students’ understanding of events that have shaped the United States and the American people. Students also will learn to use the analytical process and reasoning skills to study the role of cause and effect in history. A wide variety of aspects of United States history will be examined.

College Credit U. S. History HIS 121/122

This course provides a survey of American History from its early feudal voyages to the modern era. Students will assess and interpret a variety of documents, writings and other information to develop an in-depth understanding of both the historical data and the process for studying that data. Public policy, domestic agendas, and foreign relations will be covered. Students will come to understand the relevance of history by learning how people and events of the past connect to the present. This course may be substituted for U.S. History.

U. S. Government

This survey course of U.S. Government is a senior requirement for graduation. The goal of this course is to increase understanding of the American political system, its traditions, values, and framework for governing the United States. Students will gain an appreciation of the electoral process and the importance of good citizenship in a democracy. There will be special emphasis on the content and importance of the U.S. Constitution and other founding documents that have served as our government’s guide to creating the society in which we live today. All three branches of National Government will be examined in their relation to each other. Students should come away with an appreciation for the benefits and opportunities that democracy provides as well as the duties it requires from its citizens. Students will understand the intentions, goals and structure of the United States government today as well as throughout its development.